Rising fuel costs are pushing Fiji’s food supply chain to the edge, with Sigatoka farmers and transport operators warning of an imminent crisis that could hit dinner tables nationwide.
Nadroga-Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Suresh Naidu says diesel at a record $4.58 per litre is crippling the “Salad Bowl of Fiji” and its critical link to urban markets.
He warns SMEs are weeks away from breaking point, with transport, logistics and farming costs spiralling.
As Sigatoka strains, ripple effects are already feared in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa, raising urgent concerns over food security and affordability.
“The soaring price of fuel has led to a critical, intertwined crisis for farmers in the Sigatoka Valley and mid-level transport providers who serve as the essential link to the rest of Fiji,” Mr Naidu said.
He said the impacts extend well beyond the region, with Sigatoka’s role as Fiji’s “Salad Bowl” meaning disruptions there quickly flow on to dinner tables across the country.
“Events here trigger a domino effect on the dining tables of families across the country. Both industries are experiencing distinct but overlapping strains.”
Mr Naidu warned that many small and medium enterprises operating in agro-logistics, retail delivery and eco-tourism were now approaching a breaking point.
“For a significant portion of Sigatoka’s SMEs, the breaking point is no longer a distant threat, it is a matter of weeks.”
He said local operators were now turning to community-led measures in an effort to cushion the impact while awaiting broader government intervention.
“Rather than relying entirely on high-level national policy, the focus in Sigatoka is on immediate, community-level resilience.
“The strategy is to build an economic firewall around the town.”
He said efforts include improving tax and compliance awareness, encouraging logistical pooling, and strengthening local sourcing networks to reduce costs and maintain supply chains.
“The goal is to buy local businesses and families enough breathing room to withstand the current energy pressures until structural government relief fully kicks in.”
